P&O passengers fume as 35-night Ventura dream cruise is axed for 'operational reasons'

The much-anticipated long-haul voyage set to embark on January 4, 2027, has met an unfortunate fate-a cancellation sparked by what the cruise line terms "operational reasons."

This news comes on the heels of a 14-night jaunt aboard sister vessel Iona, planned for August 30, 2026, being recently cut from the schedule.

Earlier incidents saw discontent among travellers following a BBC report revealing that customers lashed out at P&O Cruises for discontinuing two autumn sailings aboard the Iona in October 2025 for unexpected retrofitting.

Those excursions, meant to leave from Southampton, were struck off the list as the cruise operator highlighted necessary upkeep operations.

Customers affected were presented with full reimbursements, coupled with extra onboard credit aimed at encouraging them to rearrange another holiday, reports

Nevertheless, many patrons felt the compensation fell short, particularly upon realising that comparable trips on alternative dates attracted significant surcharges.

Addressing those impacted by the latest Ventura cancellation, P&O said in their communique:.

"Due to operational reasons, we're sorry to inform you that your cruise, departing 4 January 2027, is no longer going ahead.

"We understand this news is disappointing and would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

"To ensure you don't miss out on a fantastic holiday experience, we have automatically moved your booking to a different sailing, G701, on board Iona."

Disgruntled travellers have stormed Facebook to express their dismay and disappointment after a sudden itinerary alteration, with many lamenting the cancellation of their eagerly anticipated journey.

A representative for P&O Cruises informed the Echo:.

"On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from the one previously published and we are very sorry that Ventura's 35-night Caribbean itinerary departing January 04 2027, has been cancelled.

"Where possible, we are pleased to offer affected guests to transfer to Iona's similar Caribbean sailing across the same dates.

"Ventura will now offer three new itineraries, which go on sale on June 04, 2025."